Pickup Tailgate Work Surface With Pocket-Stored Tri-Fold Panels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Truck tailgates lack a secure and convenient flat surface for writing at work sites due to reinforcing ribs, and existing solutions like boards require valuable cargo space and are difficult to secure without damage.
Innovation Solution
A work table system for pickup truck tailgates, featuring a main panel with pivot connectors and guide members that extend from a pocket in the truck bed to overlie the tailgate, with optional side panels and a top/rear bar for enhanced functionality, including scale markings and angle measurement capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a board is placed on a tailgate to provide a writing surface, then a flat surface is available for writing, but it is difficult to secure the board to the tailgate without damaging the tailgate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated work surface assembly with follower connectors that interface with guide members on the tailgate. This intermediary mechanism allows secure attachment without direct contact between the work surface and the tailgate surface, eliminating the risk of damage from adhesives, clips, or fasteners applied directly to the tailgate.
Solution Approach 2:
The work surface is divided into a main panel and side panels that can be independently positioned and secured. The follower connectors are separate components that engage with the guide members, allowing the work surface to be securely attached and detached as a modular assembly without compromising the tailgate.
2Ease of operation
If a table or saw horses and board are set up at a work site, then a flat writing surface is available, but valuable cargo space is required when transported to a work site
Solution Approach 1:
The side panels are designed to nest within or adjacent to the main panel when not in use, creating a compact configuration. The work surface assembly stores in a designated area in the truck bed when collapsed, maximizing cargo space while providing a full-size work surface when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The work surface transitions from a compact, space-efficient storage state to a fully extended work state through the action of the followers engaging with the guide members and the hinges allowing panel deployment. This dynamic transformation eliminates the need to transport a separate table while maximizing cargo space during transit.
3Stability of the object's composition
If reinforcing ribs are added to the tailgate for structural strength, then the tailgate has good stability, but the reinforcing ribs prevent the tailgate from providing a flat surface for writing
Solution Approach 1:
The work surface is segmented into a main panel and side panels that can be positioned to overlay the reinforcing ribs. The followers engage with guide members that are positioned to accommodate the rib structure, allowing the work surface to create a functional flat writing area despite the underlying ribbed structure of the tailgate.
Solution Approach 2:
The work surface assembly acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the ribbed tailgate surface. By positioning the main panel and side panels to overlay the ribs and securing them through the follower-guide member interface, a flat writing surface is created without requiring modification to the tailgate's ribbed structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides a stable, secure, and space-efficient writing surface on the tailgate without damaging it, allowing for easy setup and use of the truck bed for other purposes.
Implementation Method 1
a main panel including a pair of followers with pivot connectors on opposite lateral sides of the main panel
Implementation Method 2
The main panel is extended from the pocket and pivoted on the pivot connectors to overlie a tailgate in an open position
Data Source
AI summary
A work table is provided for a pickup truck tailgate. The work table is received in a pocket defined in a rear portion of the truck bed and is deployed to overlie an inner surface of the tailgate. Guide members and followers provided on a pivot connector guide the work table as it is lowered into and raised from the pocket. Right and left panels are provided on either side of the main panel to cover right and left portions of the tailgate. The pocket is disposed between the spare tire and bumper and between the right and left frame rails at the rear sill of the truck bed.